Parents have started an online campaign in a bid to reverse a ‘devastating’ decision to close a preschool in Clevedon.

Little Sparklers, owned by Karen Hillcox, has been renting space at Yeo Moor Primary School for the past nine years but will be forced to leave the premises in June – before the end of the current academic year – to allow the school to accommodate extra pupils in September.

Parents of children at the preschool were angry after finding out about the closure at a meeting last week and have since pledged to fight the decision by setting up an online petition, which more than 200 people have signed so far.

They have also set up a fundraising page which is aiming to collect £1,000 to allow the preschool to continue at new premises.

Suzie Millard, a parent who set up both campaign pages, said: “I honestly feel devastated for Karen, the team and the children.

“It will have such a detrimental effect on everyone.

“I will do everything I can to help Little Sparklers.”

John Wells, executive headteacher at the Clevedon Learning Trust – which is made up of Yeo Moor Primary School, Tickenham Primary School and Clevedon School – says it was informed by North Somerset Council in December last year that additional pupils would be placed at Yeo Moor in September.

A new six-month licence was then offered to Karen up until June 30 but the trust has since indicated that a further short-term licence for a space in a different part of the school could be available for the following two months.

A statement from the Clevedon Learning Trust said: “The trust will be working alongside Little Sparklers to ascertain if Little Sparklers wish to have a further short license for alternative accommodation at Yeo Moor Primary School for the months of July and August, as we recognise this is an important time for possible transition to the reception class at Yeo Moor.

“It will not be possible to remain in the current rooms as these are needed to prepare for the additional reception class in September 2016.

“Indeed, part of the refurbishment at Yeo Moor is intended to include nursery facilities although these will be located in a different area within the school. Discussion will be held with Karen during the next six months with regard to nursery provision at the Yeo Moor site.”

Karen has made assurances that Little Sparklers will continue and has called on parents to continue their support, saying: “We hope that we can count on your support and that you’ll stick with us over the coming months.

“Life sometimes isn’t fair but we are determined to strive to make something very positive come out of this.”